Considering Private Colleges in NYC

Hey, I’m a high school junior planning ahead for college. I live in NY and I'm really interested in private colleges around here. Can any of you share your experience with private colleges in NYC? Are they vastly different from public ones? What makes them a good choice?

Sure, happy to provide some insights. Private colleges in New York City certainly offer a unique experience due to their city-based setting and the variety of programs they offer. Here's what you might expect:

1. Location and Campus Experience: Private universities like Columbia and NYU benefit from being based in a world-class city, providing various opportunities for internships, cultural immersion, and networking. Some students really appreciate the urban campus, which can feel vibrant and dynamic.

2. Size and Academic Intensity: Private colleges tend to be smaller in terms of class size, which can mean more individual attention and mentorship from professors. The academic rigor can also be high, especially in universities like Columbia. Here, the Core Curriculum exposes students to a wide range of foundational knowledge spanning literature, philosophy, science, and more. This can help cultivate critical thinking and intellectual breadth, whether you’re a computer science major or a literature major.

3. Network and Alumni: Some students choose private universities because of their vast network. A famous example is the Stern School of Business at NYU, known for connecting students directly with Wall Street.

4. Community: Both NYU and Columbia, for instance, have competitive admissions, which can create an environment of high achievers that some students find enriching. Additionally, private colleges often provide tight-knit communities within the school, whether through residential colleges, clubs, or other organizations.

In contrast, public universities can offer a different feel and benefits of their own. For example, CUNY campuses tend to incorporate a more local and community feel, with a diverse student body and affordable tuition. They play a large role in offering educational opportunities to underserved communities and can be a fantastic choice for many students. There are also great opportunities for internships and jobs since you're still in a large city.

In the end, it really depends on what you’re looking for in your college experience. Internship opportunities, class size, cost, and community are factors to consider. Both public and private NYC colleges offer their own unique benefits and it will come down to what aligns best with your personal and academic goals.